“My goal is to return to Barca. But, I am enjoying my football now. That feeling is very much within me, even more than before,” the forward told OnsOranje today.

“Since my arrival at Barcelona I have evolved, both in my football and mentality. I think I have proven I can deal with adversity. There is nothing worse for a player than to tear their ligaments in a knee.”

Aflellay reflected on that very experience suffered in September 2011 whilst with the Catalans. It kept him out of action for more than seven months.

“I howled in pain, like a child. My mother palyed a key role, she was with me day and night.

“But, when I look back and think of my time at Barca I only have positive things come to mind. The training was always fun, incredible.

“Upon returning home you want to go back the next day. The speed of the ball…pfff…”